One of the very first pioneers to put down roots in the Benton Harbor Arts District has a unique business opportunity for someone as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Judy Jones established a stake in the ground at the epicenter of the Arts District before it was even officially a “thing,” and now finds herself offering up a first-rate retail space that was the long time home to Charlie’s Piggin’ & Grinnin’ Restaurant.
Seriously impacted by the pandemic’s mandated closures and other restrictions, Charlie’s Piggin’ & Grinnin’ recently made the decision to move to a smaller, drive-thru, space at 2108 Cleveland Avenue in St. Joseph across from Martin’s Super Markets, where renovations are underway for a targeted mid-May opening for eager fans who have missed them.
That leaves their former space in the historic William Steward Block Building at 136 Territorial Road in the center of the Arts District ready for the next adventure in that space.
Judy Jones says that the ground floor retail space in the distinguished sandstone beaux arts building is available for lease for retail purposes. The building was built in 1905 and also features five apartments on the upper levels.
Jones says that the space up front has all fresh new interiors, is well-lit with large north-facing windows, and tall open space in three sections, or bays, that all have visual sight lines to one another. The space features concrete floors, a counter & bar, original Chicago brick walls, a gender neutral handicap-accessible restroom, an oven and a small 3-bin sink. That front public space is 40-feet wide and 42-feet deep.
There is also rear space on the ground level with newly finished walls, overhead lighting and a new solid epoxy floor, as well as numerous plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, a walk-in refrigerator/freezer, an employee rest room, and an open ceramic stall for washing mats and buckets. That rear space measures 22-feet wide by 50-feet deep.
The real draw for potential retailers according to Jones is the key location, which she describesd as “Kitty-corner from Water Street Glassworks, Citadel Dance Center, Ghostlight Theatre, Citadel Music Center, Forte Coffee, The Out Center, 210 Water Street Art Space, The Mason Jar Cafe, 3 Pillars Music and directly across the street from a mature park with indigenous plants, trees and flowers attracting many visitors including butterflies and birds!” Additionally, she notes, “The space has a built-in customer base with the numerous apartments and lofts nearby.”
Those interested in taking a look at the space for lease can contact Judy Jones by phone at 269-927-4911, or by email at jlj48@sbcglobal.net.
